At this time of year, it can be very easy to overheat, and already, Trigg County Primary Care has seen at least a few people for heat-related issues. However, Melissa Murphy of Trigg County Primary Care has tips on how to keep cool and prevent heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other heat-related issues.

“It’s probably only going to get hotter,” said Murphy. However, she added that they haven’t yet seen as many people for heat-related issues as they have during previous summers.

It is important to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke because if someone has already experienced either of them recently, they become more susceptible to it, and won’t last as long outside, according to Murphy.

Some of the symptoms of overheating, according to Murphy, include abdominal and muscle cramps, cold sweat, a sudden urge to vomit.

Murphy said the most important advice she could give on the topic is to stay indoors between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. or possibly 4 p.m., depending on the temperature, if at all possible.

“I know a lot of crews in some places … work at night or early in the morning trying to avoid [the heat],” said Murphy.

Many coaches are also holding practices late in the evening as well for the same purpose, she added.

People that have to work outside during the hot summer months should take frequent breaks, however, she added. And like everyone else, they should drink more water or a sports drink if they start to feel thirsty.

“If you feel like you’re getting too hot, get out of the sun, Murphy said. “The best way to stay cool is to stay out of the heat … of course, it gets hot in the mornings, too.”

Just as important is to wear a hat while outdoors and to keep oneself properly hydrated, either with water or, you are sweating a lot, a drink that replenishes electrolytes, such as

sports drinks, she said, adding that people should avoid drinking alcohol while outside, since that will dehydrate you faster.

One way to tell how hydrated you are is to check your urine. If it’s darker, you should replenish your fluids, said Murphy.

Anyone who is outside, especially during the hottest time of the day, should wear sunscreen to prevent sun damage or skin cancer, she said.